Hands & Heart

Skills Development Centre

OUR STORY

Tucked away in Knysna’s industrial area, HopeHQ, trading as Hands & Heart, is transforming lives! Since 2014, this initiative has been empowering young men and women from disadvantaged communities with hands-on trade skills, faith, and dedication.

What started as a woodworking program has grown into two dynamic 6-month courses covering electrical, plumbing, carpentry, tiling, and more. Students also gain business and computer skills, equipping them to thrive in the workplace or launch their own ventures.

OUR VISION

At Hands & Heart, our vision is to holistically empower and uplift young men and women from disadvantaged communities. Through hands-on training, life skills development, and entrepreneurial guidance, we equip our students to build a brighter future.

By fostering leadership, problem-solving, and personal growth, we’re creating opportunities that extend beyond the classroom — shaping confident individuals ready to make a lasting impact.

MEET THE TEAM

Jean Botes

Director

Mike Mitchley

Senior Facilitator – Workplace Preparation, Math & IT

Akhona Ngxingo

Admin Training & Development, HR & Finance

Simon Venter

Technical Training Co-ordinator

Vogen Marais

Facilitator

Jonathan Buys

Facilitator

Coenraad Mather

Cabinetry

Danie Theart

Machinist & Carpenter

Emelda Pyl

Administrator & Receptionist

Enabling youth
Equipped with skills
Empowered to walk in Kingdom Identity!

Hope HQ t/a Hands & Heart

13 Uil Street | Knysna | Western Cape | South Africa
PO BOX 3461 | Knysna | 6570
jean@hopehq.org

Tel: +27 (0)44 382 7474

LATEST NEWS

Get inspired. Read our latest Newsletters.

September 2025 Newsletter

September has been a whirlwind! and there is no way we could have endured the intensity of the past weeks in our own strength. The only explanation — both logical and supernatural — is the sustaining hand of our Almighty God. Time and again, we found ourselves declaring aloud: “His strength is made perfect in our weakness.

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October 2025 Newsletter

"Over the past three months, I have taken time to understand the heart of HopeHQ, its people, its purpose, and the incredible impact it continues to have in our community. These months have reminded me that HopeHQ is more than just a skills centre, it is a place where lives are rebuilt, confidence is restored, and hope is renewed." - Jean Botes

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November 2025 Newsletter

November has been a month of strengthening our foundations and preparing for growth at HopeHQ. As we look forward to the end of the year, our focus has been on improving the quality of our programs, supporting our students through their final practical projects, and setting a clear direction for 2026.

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